Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate the adsorptive properties of denim-based activated carbon for methylene blue removal from water. The adsorbent was prepared through ZnCl2 activation and characterized for specific area, surface chemistry and morphology. The batch adsorption was carried out at different dye concentrations, contact times and solution temperatures. The activated carbon, AC-ZnCl2, yields a high surface area of 1323 m2/g with adsorption capacity of 326 mg/g. The adsorption data were well-fitted into Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The adsorption is endothermic and spontaneous at high temperature. Also, the kinetic and thermodynamic studies show that the adsorption is governed by physical and chemical adsorption.